How to get calm in every room using soft neutrals, natural materials, and layered texture

When a family bought their 3,306 square foot Cape Cod style home, the finishes had already been chosen by the builder. The house was plain and impersonal. Armina Interiors reworked it with soft neutrals, natural materials and layered texture, plus a few structural changes, so that every room now feels calm and connected to the coast outside.

A designer who knew the clients

Designer Armina Kasprowicz had worked with the same clients before, so she already understood their taste. They wanted to upgrade and customise the house so it reflected their own style, and she treated it as a blank canvas.

Living room: the fireplace

A Valor fireplace is the focus of the living area. Its surround is finished in Tiffany Crystal Alabaster tile from Cercan Tile. Layered textures and soft colours keep the room quiet but not flat, and pick up the coastal tones seen through the windows.

Dining room

The dining area keeps to the same earthy palette and organic textures. Daylight comes in through the windows, and the artwork adds a note of stronger colour.

Home office

Sliding glass doors were installed in the home office. They let in more natural light and can be closed when privacy is needed, so the room works both as an office and as a retreat.

Bedrooms and personal art

In the bedrooms, artwork that matters to the clients was reframed to give it a fresher, more modern look. Wicker and rattan, small touches of green and furniture with soft curves link these rooms to the coastal setting.

Bringing calm to your own rooms

The same approach can be used in most homes. Keep the base colours soft and close in tone, then add interest through texture: wood, woven fibres, stone and fabric. Repeat a small set of natural materials from room to room so the house reads as one. Give space to a few personal objects, such as reframed family art, rather than many decorative extras.

Project credits

• Project: interior renovation of a Cape Cod style home
• Interior design: Armina Interiors (Armina Kasprowicz)
• Photography: Greg Premru Photography
• Source: Contemporist